Should You Sell Digital Files? 3 Simple Steps to Deciding

Are you confused as to whether or not you should be selling clients a disc of their digital images?

If so, you are not alone. This is one of the most hotly contested issues in the industry right now.

And honestly, it is an important decision… Selling digital image files can literally make-or-break your photography business!

Deciding whether or not to sell digital files is not straightforward.

It seems simple enough – everyone seems to be giving out discs, because that’s what clients are asking for, right?

But we both know it’s not that simple…

This is one of the most vital decisions you will make

Deciding how to handle the inevitable question of “do you sell the image disc?” is tough, not to mention nerve-wracking. You don’t want to scare off potential clients, but you also don’t want to lose your shirt by giving away too much for too little.

It’s common for photographers to start by giving away an entire session of images on a disc, and before you know it, you’ve become another shoot-and-burn “budget” photographer working for next to nothing (never good!)

Not to mention starting your business becomes a struggle… not the fun transition that you deserve.

It’s Time to Approach This Issue the Right Way So You Can Make a Real Income From Your Work!

We’ve come up with a simple 3 step process to help you determine how to approach the digital file dilemma. It’s not a one-size-fits all decision (though we definitely have an opinion about which approach is best – but I’ll get to that later!).

Forget what other photographers around you are doing. These steps will help you make a digital file decision based on your goals and your ideal clients’ needs rather than simply going with the status quo of other photographers!

Let’s jump in:

Step 1: Deciding What Type of Photographer You Want to Become

You need to first consider what you want your business to look like once it’s really up and running…

Do you want to be known as the Fine Portrait Artist? Or do you want to be known as the Affordable Photographer?

This will help determine the type of client that will be attracted to you.

If you position yourself as a fine artist, you will attract higher-end clients who are looking for high quality, finished products. On the other hand, clients looking for an affordable photographer may be looking to do the printing on their own to save money.

Step 2: Determine Your Time Commitment

The next deciding factor is the amount of time you are willing to put into each client, and therefore the type of experience you will provide clients.

Do you want to guide clients through each step, from session to choosing their images, to selecting their finished products? Or do you want to devote less time to the client, focusing solely on providing them a lovely session?

It’s important to remember that spending more time with each client often means larger sales per client, since you are giving them more attention and building more trust with them. Thus, you don’t have to bring in as many clients to reach your desired income!

Step 3: Create Your Pricing Structure

Finally, it’s time to weigh the options and select your pricing structure.

When digital files first became popular, I had to make this decision for myself.

I realized that there are three different digital file structures:

Sell Only Digital Files (Typically the policy of affordable studios)

Sell a Combination of Digital and Print Images (A popular trend today)

I chose my option, and put this very specific digital image sales policy in place.

Over the years, I’ve found that because of this choice, clients respect my work more and that I make at least 60% more revenue per client than I would otherwise!

…and, it allowed me to work with clients that truly valued my work and charge prices that allowed me to be profitable and successful.

But, make the wrong decision and you’ll likely find yourself constantly undercharging for your work and struggling to stand out from the other photographers popping up around you.

You CAN Have Your Dream Business!

Imagine waking up each morning excited to go to work.

Imagine having professional photography clients that love working with you and aren’t scared away by your digital file policy (and are willing to pay for the privilege).

This isn’t some fantasy…

You can build a successful business, too.

I Know… Because I’ve Done It!

I started my studio about 20 years ago. Back then, I didn’t have to worry about whether or not to sell digital files, because they simply didn’t exist!

But as time went on and digital photography became the standard, I too struggled with these very same issues.

So I did my research. I looked into studios selling digital image files as their main product, and I compared them to the studios selling printed portraits.

Then I had my “aha” moment and figured out the 3-Step Method I shared with you above.

Because of this, I don’t have to ever worry about trying to compete with any fly-by-night, shoot-and-burn photographers popping up… Instead, I continue to attract more of the right clients.

Now, if you want to be successful, all you need to do is find someone who has already achieved your goals… and follow their framework.

That’s why I’m here to teach you the step-by-step methods I’ve used for myself (and my clients) to move from hobby to pro photographers.

So, are you ready to find out what my digital file policy is and how YOU can make the best decision for your own business?

Introducing our Digital Files Mini Training!

We’ve put together this training resource to help you discover:

How to position yourself so that your clients respect your digital file policy and aren’t scared away by it

How to make a decision that will allow you to become the most profitable and set yourself up for long-term success

How to determine the best route for your own business: to sell digital files, or not to sell them?

Here’s what some of our clients are saying:

“Choosing Scott Sylvia as one of my mentors has given me the confidence to proceed with my pricing structure. The video file is well put together, descriptive and comprehensive. I am looking forward to enjoying more knowledgeable Learning Modules from the Hobby to Pro series.”
–Mark C., Owner of Fluydmotion Photography

“I’ve come to the conclusion that I work way too cheap! Doing this as a hobby/part-time photographer, I haven’t been giving my work enough credit or value. I understand better why the top portrait photographers charge [what they do].”
–Tom H., Photographer

“It was truly a breathe of fresh air to find someone willing to share what they struggled with and how they overcame it. To share marketing strategies, scripts, and personal experiences is just unheard of. As a result, I have secured clients and gained the confidence I was missing for the business side of photography. Thank you so very much.”
–Larry D., Photographer

And Here’s What You Get:

Short and actionable video training on the entire step-by-step process

Our Digital File Decision Quizto help you select the right policy for your business

Our policies on digital images vs. print images, and how they increase our average sales by about 60%

For wedding photographers: dealing with digital images when it seems like you have no choice but to hand over a flash-drive of the entire event

The seldom talked about downsides of selling digital image discs and the true cost they can have on the value of your work

Ideas and examples on ways to successfully sell digital files without giving it all away

…and more!

We would normally charge $37-$47 for a training like the Digital Files Mini Training…
All because I want to help people like you to make the transition from hobby to pro with ease.

But right now, you can get the entire Digital Files Mini Training for just $7.

Nope – that’s not a typo! For the price of a fancy coffee or a burrito (mmm…), you can have your digital files policy in place in record time.

Plus, it’s 100% guaranteed.If you grab the Digital Files Mini Training and it doesn’t help you create a Digital Files policy quickly and easily, then I’ll give you a complete refund.

In fact, if you don’t like the program for ANY reason, let me know within 30 days and I will give you a quick, no-questions-asked 100% refund. Just because you’re willing to give it a try.